One of the saddest results of the so-called
Reformation was indifference toward the Blessed Sacrament.
In the
thirteenth century, St Thomas Aquinas had set the Church aflame with his
exquisite poetry in honour of the Eucharist. The fourteenth century saw
the glories of public processions that were a grateful tribute of love
even the State took part.
In Spain, particularly, the feast of Corpus Christi became a national as well as a religious festival. But with the religious revolution of the sixteenth century came also neglect of the Eucharist, abandoned altars, desecrated churches.
In Catholic Spain, however, God had chosen St
Paschal to renew devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. He did this more by
his example than by his words. To him the Eucharist was the very centre
of his religious life, the source and inspiration of all holiness.
Paschal's attitude was thoroughly Catholic, for, as Pope Leo XIII said
in our day: 'The twentieth century must be a century of the Blessed
Sacrament if it means to be a century of resurrection and of life.' And
the Pope pointed to the humble lay-brother, St Paschal, as the model for
all.
The saint found his greatest delight in
visiting the Blessed Sacrament and remaining in adoration as long as
possible. His numerous duties called him away from prayer a hundred
times a day, but always he would come back to the altar, drawn by the
magnetic power of the Saviour's love.
Paschal attended the midnight Office in the
choir and, though the others returned to bed, he often remained before
the altar until morning. Then he would go from room to room to awaken
the Friars. He was now ready to serve the early Mass. If occasion
offered, he served a second Mass such was his love for the Blessed
Sacrament and his reverence for priests.
The Holy Eucharist was the inspiration of St
Paschal's life. As a young shepherd and later as a Franciscan Brother he
loved his Eucharistic King with a love that was extraordinary. Hour
after hour he spent in prayer. Only obedience made him leave his post of
'sentinel of the Blessed Sacrament.' And then came his death and the
countless miracles by which God glorified him. Paschal may well be
called the Man of the Eucharist. Little wonder that Pope Leo XIII chose him as the patron of all Eucharistic Associations.
As in the sixteenth century, so today -the
Blessed Sacrament is the fountain from which we must draw our strength.
Without Christ there is no Christian living. How can we hope to meet the
dangers of the present day and the insidious snares of secularism; how
can we expect to save our Christian families and our glorious heritage
unless we seek light and life, strength and solace at its source?
It has been the aim of the Church through the
years to encourage frequent Communion, but all too often the menfolk
remain indifferent. Some thought they were doing enough by receiving a
few times a year, and they left frequent Communion to the women and
children. That is not fair. As the Cure of Ars used to say, the men want
to lead in other fields; they want to be first in business and
politics.
They should lead in religion as well.
There is no better antidote against Communism
than a revival of Catholic ideals-particularly frequent Communion-among
the men of our nation. This wholesome practice, willed by Christ and
encouraged by the Church is bound to set up a whole chain of events in
the souls of men, who are the guardians of our nation's security.
The body of St. Paschal was preserved
incorrupt at Villareal until the Civil War in Spain when the Communists
burned the church and tried to destroy the relics of the "Man of the Eucharist".
Today
the forces of world Communism are seeking to destroy something more
precious than the bodies of saints, even the immortal souls of men. They
aim to tear all faith from the hearts of our people. In this grave hour
of peril, St Paschal stands forth as a powerful protector and model. He
is the inspiration not only of the Franciscan Brothers who follow his
mode of life but also of all Catholics who strive to make the Blessed
Sacrament the source and centre of their religious life.
With unerring simplicity St. Paschal points
out the constant answer to men of faith in this trembling, questioning
world- The Blessed Sacrament.
Credits : https://www.ecatholic2000.com/cts/untitled-457.shtml
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